special request

it's not uncommon for people to send me emails asking for special things for a birthday, anniversary or just because.  i like to do my best to keep these people happy, and it gives me a chance to do something different.


a couple weeks ago, i received one such email.  but this one was different.  the sender requested a special "cake" for her sister's birthday.  the issue with that?  the sister didn't like cake.  so, sender supplied me a list of things the sister liked, and we started an awesome, awesome "cake".  top things on the like list: grilled cheese, french fries, spicy. what followed was a thing of beauty.

first, cut up some ciabatta.

then, fry it in some clarified butter.  don't forget to season it.

golden brown is ideal, but if you make it, obviously your own preferences will be key.

 get a deep cake pan or roasting pan.  sprinkle the bottom with white cheddar.  or any cheese you want will do.  for this, i used white cheddar.  then do a layer of the fried bread.

 next thing.  the sriracha ketchup.  sweet. spicy. tomato-y. awesome.

more cheese.

caramelized onions.  my favorite part.

lots of cheese.

top with another layer of fried bread.  and more cheese.

pop that baby in the oven.  if memory serves, it was 350 degrees for about half an hour.

you'll want to dig right in.  but.  (there's always a but) let it cool for a good 15 minutes.  or, i promise you, third degree cheese burns WILL ensue.  

after its cooled and you've sampled it, without burning your face off, let it cool for another 15-25 minutes.  then, flip it out onto a cutting board or something that will hold it.  its going to be heavy, so make sure it can handle the weight.

for the "icing", i made a white cheddar "fondant".  just white cheddar, heavy cream, and some flour to stabilize it.  awesomeness.

for the white cheddar fondant, i lined a half sheet tray with parchment, dumped the cheese mix on that, covered it with plastic wrap and gently rolled it out.  then ever so carefully...take of plastic wrap and flip fondant on top.  if you pray, do that.  if not (like me) there was a whole lot of finger crossing. 

 finally, some sriracha writing for the birthday girl.

unfortunately, we didn't get to sample the whole thing.  but i saw the faces of the folks eating it.  they were happy.  and it looked effing good.  so..mission accomplished.